Patrick Roy will be the new coach of the Colorado Avalanche. / Graham Hughes, AP

by Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche reached into their storied past to try to get back to the playoffs.

Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy was named coach and vice president of hockey operations on Thursday. He's replacing fired Joe Sacco behind the bench. He will work with executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic on making hockey decisions.

An agreement in principle was reached. He will be formally introduced next week.

Roy won four Stanley Cups in his career, two with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Sakic was team captain those years.

He also won Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986 and 1993. He missed the playoffs once in his career. The Avalanche have missed the playoffs three consecutive years.

Roy, 47, retired in 2003 and has spent the past eight years with the junior league Quebec Remparts, winning the 2006 Memorial Cup as general manager, coach and part owner.

"All along Patrick was our top candidate and we are thrilled that he has decided to accept this offer," said Sakic. "Patrick has a great hockey mind, is a tremendous coach and there is no one more passionate about this game. He will bring that winning attitude to our dressing room to help this young team grow."